Trai likely to adjust cable TV rules for clearer business picture

Lahoti added that Trai, in its recent review of the regulations in 2024 for cable TV, critically examined whether certain regulations were truly needed in the industry

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is “reviewing and critically examining” the regulatory framework governing the cable television (TV) industry (also known as linear TV) to enhance ease of doing business.

 

Anil Lahoti, chairman of Trai, said on the sidelines of the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) that there is a wide “regulatory disparity” between different broadcasting platforms — namely, linear TV and over-the-top (OTT) services. This follows Trai’s regulatory review in 2024 aimed at giving the cable TV sector “requisite freedom while protecting consumer interests and safeguarding smaller players in the value chain”.

 

“While we welcome technological advancements that offer a better audio-video experience for consumers, we want to avoid a scenario where regulation creates an uneven playing field, favouring one medium over another,” he said.

 

Lahoti said that in its recent review, Trai reassessed whether several existing regulations were still necessary for the cable TV industry.

 

“We’ve either left several aspects to the discretion of the industry or widened the scope of the rules because we felt strict regulation wasn’t required in those areas. The real divergence is with fast-channel OTT, where regulations are relatively light, whereas linear TV is still tightly governed. That’s where we need to strike a balance,” he said. 

 

In his keynote address at WAVES, Lahoti also said Trai has recommended revamping the audience measurement system to allow multiple agencies to offer more reliable data. This change, he said, would also support better ad pricing. Trai is now working towards balanced regulations that consider the needs of all stakeholders.

 

“Entities at the top of the pyramid typically seek fewer restrictions and greater freedom. But as we (Trai) move down the pyramid — to local cable operators or consumers — the feedback we receive is that they ask for more and more regulation,” he said.

 

Trai is also consulting on the rollout of digital radio broadcasting in India and is expected to implement a policy road map soon.